The statewide graduation rate for the class of 2024 is 81.8%, according to data released today by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The Class of 2024 started high school in distance learning due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and after their first year, only 73.6% were on-track to graduate in four years.
The statewide graduation rate represents about 38,700 public school students in all 36 counties and is the second-highest ever reported in the state.
“I’m proud of the Class of 2024 and the educators and parents who didn’t give up on students. This news is about resilience and dedication,” Governor Kotek said. “Let’s keep building on this progress and provide every Oregon student the best opportunity to thrive.”
“This class of talented, gritty scholars are an inspiring example for other young people. Students and staff overcame all the obstacles that COVID-19 threw in their path,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “Their first year in high school were some of the toughest days of the pandemic. Through their hard work—along with the dedication of educators, support staff, and the commitment of lawmakers and communities to expand learning opportunities—our scholars show us what’s possible when we prioritize their needs. We are seeing results, but we know much more needs to be done so that every child is set up for success, not only to find their path to graduation, but to thrive in their educational experiences.”
Other key findings include:
- Students completing two credits in an approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program of Study significantly exceeded the statewide average, graduating at a rate of 97.7%, up 2.7 percentage points over the previous year’s mark for CTE students.
- Former English Learners – students who have successfully completed English Learner programs prior to entering high school in Oregon – graduated at 87.8%, 6.0 percentage points higher than the statewide average and an all-time high for that student group.
- Special Education students also saw the highest graduation rate for that student group at 68.8%.
- The graduation rate for students receiving foster care increased 4.1 percentage points to 51.0%, a record high for that student group.